Winter storm creates traffic headaches in northwest Wisconsin

Officials with the State Patrol are urging drivers in northwest Wisconsin to stay off the roads, after a severe winter storm in the region dumped several inches of snow on the ground.

Jeff Frenette with the Wisconsin State Patrol says current road conditions are extremely hazardous and it could take several hours before they improve. He says there have been numerous traffic crashes and vehicle slide-offs across the region, including a multiple vehicle crash on I-94 east of Eau Claire that has left the westbound lanes closed for several hours. Traffic has had to be diverted while police and first responders work to clear the scene.

Frenette says there have been no serious injuries reported.

The DOT is asking drivers to change their travel plans if possible. Even after the snow stops falling, Fernette says strong winds are expected to result in poor visibility across the region and drivers could still face icy road conditions into Wednesday morning.

Travel conditions in southern Wisconsin are expected to worsen, as the storm moves into that region.